Category Archives: Science For All

STEM Day at the Capitol • Florida’s Science Centers & Museums Engage Legislators and Advocate for More Funding

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Florida educators advocate for the importance of science education during STEM Day at the Capitol

Orlando Science Center is partnering with museums, science centers, educators, and corporations to assemble in Tallahassee for STEM Day at the Florida Capitol on Thursday, January 25, 2024. STEM Day provides a forum to connect with legislators about the critical role that Science Centers and museums play with inspiring and creating the STEM workforce of tomorrow while also advocating for funding to support these efforts. Participants will be stationed inside the Capitol building with experiments, displays, robots, and more!  

STEM Day Partners:

Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee 
FIRST Robotics 
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville 
Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale 
Museum of Science and Industry, Tampa 
Orlando Science Center 
River City Science Academy, Jacksonville 
Science is US 

From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., legislators will take part in hands-on activities while learning how STEM education helps grow Florida’s technological workforce.  Science museums act as a hub for STEM learning and can easily facilitate opportunities between industry, education, and the public. Collaborations between science museums, corporations, and education are key to developing a comprehensive approach to promote STEM learning from cradle to career.  

As we address the challenges of these complicated times, we are reminded that science matters now more than ever. Science literacy not only leads to a better understanding of life’s problems, but it promotes the development of skills to help solve them. Through study and experimentation, we acquire knowledge, which leads to understanding, innovation and ultimately prosperity. Our youth can save the world and science can help them do it.  

Industry must partner with educational institutions and informal learning centers like science museums to start preparing the future workforce for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Regardless of the field they enter, tomorrow’s workforce must have a strong grasp of 21st century skills like problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. These skills are reinforced through active, challenge-based activities offered at museums and science centers.  

two mean practicing virtual reality flying during STEM Day at the capitol

STEM Day at the Capitol illustrates how collaborations with industry and academia can help fill the STEM pipeline, and Orlando Science Center is excited to take part in the event. Such partnerships provide opportunities to engage youth by bringing STEM subjects to life. By presenting the real-world applications of STEM skills in compelling ways, students are inspired to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields.  

During STEM Day, participating partners, including student groups, will share their passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with legislators, demonstrating the impact that their efforts can have on economic development across the state.  Displays reinforce how science museums light the spark of curiosity, promote future careers and build essential 21st century skills while also illustrating how increased funding could expand these efforts.  

STEM is the Key to Prosperity

“Florida is a STEM state. Our economy is driven by industries and occupations in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Now more than ever, policymakers must act to foster the state’s STEM economy by engaging young people and creating career opportunities for generations to come.”

At the Science Center, we believe that STEM is the key to prosperity. Our President & CEO JoAnn Newman recently co-wrote an editorial with Rachel Kerestes, Executive Director of Science is US, on the importance of fostering Florida’s STEM economy. Follow this link to read the full editorial.  

NASA Scientist Visits Local Orlando Kids

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NASA Scientist Phillip Hargrove Visits Local Orlando Parramore Kids Zone Students

It IS rocket science! Phillip Hargrove, an aerospace engineer and NASA scientist, paid a visit to local students participating in Orlando Science Center's new Neighborhood Science program during the Parramore Kids Zone at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Holden Heights. 

This new initiative provides high-quality STEM education for multiple days each week in afterschool programs and community centers within underserved neighborhoods. From virtual reality, to engineering design challenges, 3D printing, and more, students have a unique opportunity to get hands-on with engaging STEM activities and learning opportunities. It is the bridge that connects these issues by offering opportunities focused on increasing confidence and interest in STEM concepts for youth in Central Florida.

With the help of our “neighbors” at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, students got a special opportunity to meet and learn from an out-of-this-world guest speaker – Phillip Hargrove. Hargrove is an aerospace engineer in NASA’s Launch Services Program and worked on the trajectory team for the NASA Mars Perseverance Rover launch.

Leading up to the lesson, students got a lesson in rocket science! They learned about the science of space travel and what kind of rockets and satellites are used to journey through the solar system and beyond. Using these lessons, a little rocket science, and a lot of creativity, the Neighborhood Scientists got the opportunity to design and 3D print their own rockets.

Kids learning about rockets from local NASA scientist

Last but certainly not least, the engineers-in-training got to put their designs to the test with some expert advice from Phillip Hargrove.

“By providing all children with an opportunity for inspiration and education, we begin a pipeline that runs from where they are to exciting careers,” said JoAnn Newman, President & CEO of Orlando Science Center. “Neighborhood Science will expand our impact throughout Central Florida as we create a STEM-centered community that paves the way for access and opportunities for all.”

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month through STEAM

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Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month through STEAM

November marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, and Orlando Science Center is celebrating through STEAM by highlighting some amazing indigenous people and their incredible contributions to art and preservation!

How did Native American Heritage Month begin?

In the early 1900s, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a member of the Seneca Nation and director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, NY, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans.” The first official “American Indian Day” was celebrated in New York, with others following suit in 1916. In 1990, November was first declared “National American Indian History Month.”

From making moccasins to classic culinary dishes, hear directly from indigenous makers to learn about art that originated in native traditions, and the importance of preserving and celebrating cultures through STEAM! 

Learn more and support these featured makers:

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at Orlando Science Center on your next visit! 

Catch a film! 

 Despite the rise in commercially published books and films by Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations authors and directors, Indigenous people are still underrepresented in literature, movies, and other forms of media. 

Now playing in Dr. Phillips CineDome, Into America’s Wild visits some of the most beautiful landscapes of America! Set out on this journey with trailblazers – astronaut John Herrington, and Alaskan pilot and youth advocate Ariel Tweto, and long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis – who share a passion for connecting people to experiences in the wild.

 

Gather around for storytime! 

In order for more space to be made for Native stories in media, it is important to support Native and Indigenous works. Our Early Childhood Education Specialists have shared some of their favorite picture books, check one out for your next storytime, or join us in KidsTown on your next visit! 

  • Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk, illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
  • We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade.
  • When We Were Alone by David Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett 
  • The Sharing Circle: Stories about First Nations Culture by Theresa Meuse, illustrated by Arthur Stevens
a collage of childrens books

 

Tweet about it! 

Did you know that Purple Martins famously don't build their own nests? 

Learn out how Native tribes shaped Purple Martin birds, their nesting habits and how we can better practice conservation efforts for migratory birds! 

How Native American Tribes Shaped Purple Martin Birds

STEM Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

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KidsTown shares their favorite STEM picture books to read to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 
 
Did you know, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th? This marks a month-long celebration and observance of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who come from -- or whose ancestors come from -- Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America.
 
To help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, our Early Childhood Education Specialists in KidsTown shared some of their favorite STEM picture books featuring Hispanic authors and illustrators. Join us in celebrating stories featuring prominent Hispanic leaders, scientists, and innovators!
 

Lucía the Luchadora

Written by: Cynthia Leonor Garza
Illustrated by: Alyssa Bermudez

Lucía zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her "girls can't be superheroes," suddenly she doesn't feel so mighty.

That's when her beloved abuela reveals a dazzling secret: Lucía comes from a family of luchadoras, the bold and valiant women of the Mexican lucha libre tradition. Cloaked in a flashy new disguise, Lucía returns as a recess sensation! But when she's confronted with a case of injustice, Lucía must decide if she can stay true to the ways of the luchadora and fight for what is right, even if it means breaking the sacred rule of never revealing the identity behind her mask. 

picture book: Lucia the Luchadora by

A Song of Frutas

 
Written by: Margarita Engle

Illustrated by: Sara Palacios 

When we visit mi abuelo, I help him sell
frutas, singing the names of each fruit
as we walk, our footsteps like drumbeats,
our hands like maracas, shaking…

The little girl loves visiting her grandfather in Cuba and singing his special songs to sell all kinds of fruit: mango, limón, naranja, piña, and more! Even when they’re apart, grandfather and granddaughter can share rhymes between their countries like un abrazo—a hug—made of words carried on letters that soar across the distance like songbirds.

Hispanic heritage month book: A Song of Frutas Book by Margarita Engle

Dia de Los Muertos

 
Written by: Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Illustrated by: Carles Ballesteros 

El Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is here―a holiday for celebrating the lives of departed family and friends. Altars are decorated with sugar skulls and marigolds. Tamales and sweets are ready to eat. Soon it will be time for picnics, music, and a costume parade! Come join in these joyful and vibrant festivities that are a tradition in Mexico, the United States, and throughout Latin America.

A picture book to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos

La Princesa and the Pea

 
Written by: Susan Middleton Elya 

Illustrated by: Juana Martinez-Neal

El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .

Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

Hispanic picture book: La Princesa and the Pea

Off we go to Mexico

 
Written by: Laurie Krebs 

Illustrated by: Christopher Corr

Off We Go to Mexico

Looking for more books to celebrate and learn about Hispanic Heritage Month?

Check out some of the theses different activities to try at home from Scholastic! Try one out and use it as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to U.S. culture!

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Reflections from an Orlando Science Center Volunteer

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Catalyst Youth Volunteer Nathien looks back on his 200+ hours with OSC 

Orlando Science Center is lucky to work with many amazing volunteers throughout the year, and hopefully our guests have had the chance to meet Nathien. Nathien is a recent graduate from University High School who started volunteering at OSC in 2019. He has since given over 200 community service hours to help us inspire science learning for life as a Catalyst Youth Volunteer! 
 
Nathien’s tasks as a Catalyst Youth Volunteer included performing science pop-up activities, facilitating learning experiences in the exhibit halls, and helping with supply prep, clean up, and customer service during special events. Nathien also participated in OSC’s virtual volunteering program during the COVID pandemic, where he created content that has been displayed throughout the Science Center!

 

We reached out to Nathien during Disability Pride Month to ask him about his experience as a volunteer, what memories stand out to him, and what tips he has for others who may want to volunteer!

OSC: Hi Nathien! Tell us a little about yourself. What got you interested in volunteering at Orlando Science Center? 
 
Nathien: 
Hi! My name is Nathien and I’m 20 years old. I graduated this year from University High School, and I love theater, sports, dancing, and being active! I have Autism, as well. 
 
I wanted to volunteer at Orlando Science Center because I wanted to get service hours, and I was hoping to gain work experience, too. It was the best decision I made joining the Youth Visitor Experience Team!

OSC: Looking back at your time volunteering, what stands out to you? 
 
Nathien: 
Volunteering made me step out of my comfort zone. I got to work on my social skills, and because I was always volunteering with a partner, I got to practice working on a team. Since starting to volunteer, I’ve been more social, made more friends, gained a lot of hours, and boosted my confidence. 
 
I remember one day I was doing a science pop-up activity and my partner told me they were nervous because they never really talked to or socialized with a lot of people before. We came up with a little skit together and practiced it to help us attract an audience. They had the biggest smile on their face when we got to perform it for people! 
 
After that, whenever I passed by, I would see them interacting with guests and socializing and having a great time! I remember they told me “Thank you!” and hugged me. I’ll never forget that. 

a photo of Nathie and Director of Volunteers

OSC: What tips would you have for someone who wants to volunteer at a place like the Orlando Science Center? 
 
Nathien: 
I learned a lot while volunteering that might be helpful for others. 
 
Number one: Be yourself! 
Number two: Pay very close attention to the training so you can do the best job possible. 
Number three: Be helpful! There are lots of things you can do as a volunteer, if you follow the rules and try to help, you will be a great teammate. 
 
OSC: Any last things you want to share? 
 
Nathien: 
Volunteering helped me grow as a person. I learned a lot and grew with other people on my team. Looking back, I just really gained a lot from the experience. Having Autism didn’t stop me from achieving my goal, and it doesn’t define who I am. July is Disability Pride Month, so just be yourself and have fun! 

The next time you see Nathien, or any of the hundreds of other wonderful, hardworking, and fun volunteers – please say hello!

 

Are you looking for an opportunity to help your community, work with fascinating people, or earn volunteer hours for school? 

Become a volunteer! We’re looking for eager, passionate team members who want to make a difference in their community! 

Adult volunteer during the Otronicon event interacting with guests.

Adult Volunteers

Donate your time to bring the Science Center to life in a way that complements your expertise and interests.

LEARN MORE

Youth volunteer helping summer camp students measure ingredients for an experiment.

Catalyst Youth Volunteers

Gain valuable skills and make new friends while giving back to the community. Opportunities are available year-round.

LEARN MORE

Orlando Science Center Awarded Major NASA Grant

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Collaboration will take STEM engagement directly to underserved students in neighborhood community centers, including a nationwide engineering design challenge

NASA has recently awarded Orlando Science Center (OSC) a three-year $795,000 grant to support a multi-year partnership with national reach that implements weekly STEM engagement for youth from underserved communities across the City of Orlando. The Science Center was one of only three institutions nationwide to receive funding in this cycle. As NASA presses forward with plans to return astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis missions and expand our understanding of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency is working to ensure students across the U.S. can have the opportunity to share in the excitement of space exploration.

NASA has recently awarded Orlando Science Center (OSC) a three-year $795,000 grant to support a multi-year partnership with national reach that implements weekly STEM engagement for youth from underserved communities across the City of Orlando. The Science Center was one of only three institutions nationwide to receive funding in this cycle. As NASA presses forward with plans to return astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis missions and expand our understanding of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency is working to ensure students across the U.S. can have the opportunity to share in the excitement of space exploration.

Orlando Science Center has launched Neighborhood Science, an initiative focused on providing high-quality STEM education for multiple days each week in afterschool programs and community centers within underserved neighborhoods. The first Neighborhood Science program will feature a STEM lab in the Grand Avenue Community Center in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood. Through consistent and authentic STEM learning, this program will help address the rising demand for STEM careers in Florida and the intense underrepresentation of women and people of color in STEM fields across the country.

The NASA award will support a collaboration between OSC, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Swampworks, and the City of Orlando’s Grand Avenue neighborhood community center. Content will be in alignment with ARTEMIS and NASA’s Communication Themes (Humans in Space & Moon to Mars). It will also create and launch a new engineering design challenge for teams that can be scaled nationwide in year 3. This project will enable participants to work together to authentically contribute to NASA’s ARTEMIS mission using virtual engineering platforms like TinkerCAD, real-world materials and supplies, and evidence-based engineering designs. Participating youth will create a solution to a problem identified by NASA KSC Swampworks that astronauts engaged in the ARTEMIS mission may face as they live in space or travel from the Moon to Mars.

“We are excited to partner with the Orlando Science Center and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Swampworks to bring a STEM lab directly to our young residents at the newly renovated Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful for such partnerships and collaboration to ensure our young residents have more opportunities to learn, grow and thrive in the City of Orlando.”

NASA’s TEAM II grant program provided substantial multi-year funding to only three informal education organizations nationwide during this cycle. Projects were selected with the goal of helping to inspire the next generation of explorers through STEM learning – and to expand student participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Informal education institutions, such as science museums, planetariums, libraries, and zoos are uniquely positioned to reach students, including those who are historically underserved and underserved in STEM fields.

STEM Surfboard Lesson for Kids • The History and Science of Duke Kahanamoku

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Dive into the history of Duke Kahanamoku with a history and STEM surfboard lesson for kids

You've probably heard the term "The Big Kahuna" in reference to an important person, thing, or objective. But where does this term come from? This Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're diving into the history of the original Big Kahuna - Olympic Medalist, and the Father of Surfing - Duke Kahanamoku with this history and STEM surfboard lesson for kids of all ages!

 

While surf, sun, and swimming have become synonymous with the Hawaiin Islands, this has not always been the case.

At this time, Hawaii was in the midst of many cultural and governmental changes. The expansion of Christianity and foreign missionary influences were having a major impact on Hawaiian heritage and traditions such as surfing. By the end of the 19th century, foreign missionaries had almost erased surfing - or the act of riding waves - from the Hawaiian Islands.

This is where Duke Kahanamoku rides in!

The Big Kahuna was born in Haleʻākala in 1890. He was an excellent surfer, 5-time Olympic Swimming Medalist, actor, and proud representative of his native land. He and a group of fellow surfers even saved the lives of eight after a wave sank their 40-foot boat!

His Kahanamoku Kick swimming technique, superior surfing, and all-around positive passion gave Duke the opportunity to share his skills with the world. He began participating and teaching in surfing exhibitions around the world, going on to become the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Swimming Hall of Fame.

Sure enough, surfing started to become popular in Hawaii again! Despite the emerging designs including lighter, hollow boards, Duke preferred his own surfboards to be made from koatree using traditional Hawaiian methods, bringing his roots back into the sport. His natural abilities and love of the sport led him to become the legendary surfer known as “The Big Kahuna” and the “Father of Surfing.”

As we reflect on Duke’s life and accomplishments, let’s also look back at his culture and childhood. Duke came from a well-known family that ruled several kingdoms. This gave him a deep appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian culture, which he fought for throughout his entire life. In 1959, when Hawaii became the 50th US State, Kahanamoku was officially named the State of Hawaii Ambassador of Aloha.

There is a statue of Duke in Hawaii near the beach where his ashes were spread. He will forever be loved by the people of Hawaii and looked at as a hero. Because of his talents and passion for surfing, he is known for giving Hawaii a new dimension of international stature, stating that, "he was the soul of dignity."

He is still well loved in his native home of Hawaii, but he is also beloved by surfers everywhere. Not only was he a hero, a great person, and a pioneer-- he was just an all-around good person who fought for Hawaiian culture and surfing.

This summer when you’re hitting the waves with your surfboard, think about the origin, and thank Duke for making surfing what it is today. Surfs up!

a statue of duke kahanamoku in hawaii

Expand with an activity! 

 

Whether you're hitting the beach, the pool, or creating a tropical getaway in your own backyard, add a little science to your summer with you this surfing STEM lesson for kids! 

Surfboards can come in all shapes and sizes and are made out of different kinds of materials depending on the surf. Using materials you can find around the house and a little creative flair, learn about the science of surfboards with this easy DIY activity! 

Surf's Up!
a photo of small colorful foam surfboards

She Can STEM • Opportunities for Girls Scouts in Central Florida

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Orlando Science Center creates STEM opportunities for local Girl Scouts

Innovation is a collaborative process. The best ideas, inventions, discoveries are not created by a single person, but rather by a group of people with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences. This is one of the many reasons that diverse representation in the STEM workforce is crucial to us all. Although there have been strides of progress over the years, women are still vastly underrepresented in most STEM careers.

At Orlando Science Center, we strive to create prosperity in our community that enhances lives. Working towards gender equity is a crucial step in achieving this goal, including exciting new initiatives like our new STEM Explorers program, which will provide engaging STEM opportunities for Girl Scouts! 

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce: Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation say that:

  • Although women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs.
  • Women with STEM jobs earned 33 percent more than comparable women in non-STEM jobs – considerably higher than the STEM premium for men. As a result, the gender wage gap is smaller in STEM jobs than in non-STEM jobs.
  • Women hold a disproportionately low share of STEM undergraduate degrees, particularly in engineering.
  • There are many possible factors contributing to the discrepancy of women and men in STEM jobs, including: a lack of female role models.
a group of Girl Scouts collaborating on a STEM project

As a recent recipient of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP)’s IF/THEN grant program, we found opportunities to address this issue head-on with our STEM Explorers program. To help inspire change and to bring about opportunities for access and representation in STEM, NGCP created the IF/THEN program “to bring together organizations throughout the United States that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics" (STEM).

The STEM Explorers Program provided Girl Scout troops of all ages opportunities to visit the Science Center, where they experienced hands-on, STEM discovery labs, allowing the girls to learn about incredible female scientists (IF/THEN Ambassadors), gain relevant career exposure, and 21st-Century skills such as collaboration and problem-solving.

Troops were also given customized Exploration Guides, created by the Orlando Science Center education team in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Citrus, to lead them through interactive exhibits throughout the Science Center. As the girls explored the Science Center, they worked to earn Girl Scout Badges aligned to focus areas such as math, science, and nature.

Check out this incredible program in action thanks to our partners at Girl Scouts of Citrus! We were honored to host these incredible STEM Explorers, and we can’t wait to see what they do next!

Want to inspire a young scientist in your life? Check out the links below for inspiration:

Pilots & Patients • The Complicated History of the Tuskegee Institute

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The Tuskegee Institute Study and its Health Impacts Today

Standing outside Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park stands the Red Tails Monument — a 12-foot bronze spire leading up to four P-51 Mustang aircrafts in the “missing man” formation. This monument to the “Red Tail Angels” of the Tuskegee Airmen pays tribute to a group of Black pilots who graduated from the Tuskegee Institute.

However, not everything about the Tuskegee Institute is a cause for celebration. In fact, for the 40-year span between 1932 and 1972, the university was home to a horrific experiment whose impacts are still felt even today.

The Tuskegee Experiment, as it is commonly known, sought to study the long-term effects of untreated syphilis, a disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Over the course of the investigation, 399 African-American men with latent syphilis (that is to say, they were asymptomatic but had bacteria present in their bodies) were observed, along with 201 healthy men in a control group.

Signs stating “YOU MAY FEEL WELL AND STILL HAVE BAD BLOOD. COME AND BRING ALL YOUR FAMILY” were posted in Macon County, Alabama — the area around the Tuskegee Institute — in the fall of 1932. As you may recall from history class, this was deep in the middle of the Great Depression. Many folks in this part of the country were sharecroppers, tending farmland in exchange for a portion of the food that was grown. With the promise of a free medical exam and a meal to go with it, lots of people understandably took the signs up on their offer.

What the study designers neglected to do was tell participants that they had syphilis. That’s right—in a study of how a disease affects a human long-term, the human participants were never told they had the disease in the first place! Most egregiously, penicillin was a widely-accepted, widely-available standard treatment for syphilis by 1947. The study leaders did not allow the patients enrolled to receive this treatment, instead choosing to allow them to continue to be sick for almost 25 more years. Out of 600 initial participants, only 74 were alive at the time the study ended.

There was public outrage after the story of the Tuskegee experiment came out in 1972. Congress responded to the outcry and passed the National Research Act in 1974. This law mandated that study participants give “informed consent,” meaning they must know what they are being studied for, and that they be given accurate medical information of their diagnoses and test results.

The effect of this eroded trust in medicine persists even now. There are known racial gaps in access to healthcare and enrollment in medical school. Groups such as the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) are working to eliminate these differences in access, with the vision that all people—regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics—should equally benefit from known ways to reduce the occurrence of heart disease.

Unfortunately, public trust in health systems was severely shaken by this news, especially among Black Americans. Studies have shown that there was an over 20% reduction in preventive healthcare by older Black men in the area around Tuskegee.

It is important to remember why we honor February as both Black History Month and American Heart Month. Heart disease claims over 650,000 American lives every year. Due to disparities in our healthcare system, this includes a disproportionate number of people of color, including Black Americans.

Educator Resources

If you'd like to learn more about the Tuskegee Institute Syphilis Study or turn this lesson into a lesson for students, check out some of the following educator resources.

Black History Monuments in Central Florida • Orlando Science Center Honors Red Tail Pilots

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Signature Monument  Commemorates the First Black American Military Aviators 

Orlando may be known for its vast array of entertainment and attractions, but there is also rich, diverse, and unique culture. Throughout the years, the community has come together to create and preserve Black history monuments, museums, landmarks, and more, here in Central Florida. 

Since 2013, guests coming to Orlando Science Center from the Loch Haven Park entrance have been greeted by the Red Tails Monument, a 12-foot bronze spire leading up to four P-51 Mustang aircrafts in the “missing man” formation. The statue stands in honor of the bravery, passion, and sacrifice of the elite fighter group of Tuskegee Airmen known as the “Red Tail Angels,” nicknamed for the distinctive red paint on their aircraft propellers and tails.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the United States armed forces. A total of 932 Black pilots trained at a segregated air base in Tuskegee, Alabama between 1941 and 1946. Of those, 356 were chosen to make up the elite 332nd Fighter Group, who would go on to be known as the Red Tails. They were sent to various European bases to fly escort for heavy bombers of the 15th Air Force during raids deep into enemy territory, earning an impressive combat record. Because they had one of the lowest loss records of any escort fighter group, bomber crews often requested to be escorted by the Red Tails. Of the 356 Red Tail pilots, 80 were killed, 32 were prisoners of war, and 17 were shot down, but evaded capture.

a photo of a dozen Red Tail pilots standing in front of a plane

Before the Tuskegee Airmen, no Black American had ever been a United States military pilot. During World War II, many U.S. states still upheld Jim Crow laws, a series of racist legislation that enforced the “separate but equal” treatment of Black Americans. These laws were used as justification for blocking previous attempts by Black American soldiers to become pilots. The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to systemic racism, prejudice, and discrimination both within and outside the army. In spite of these adversities, they trained and flew with distinction while simultaneously fighting for their own civil rights. Even after proving their worth as world-class pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen still encountered segregation and were not permitted to fly alongside their white counterparts. The United States Armed Forces remained segregated until 1948.

The Red Tail Pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen played a crucial role in preparing the nation for racial integration in the military. Their heroic example continues to inspire future generations to reach to the skies and realize that all things are possible, even in the face of extreme adversity. 

The Tuskegee Red Tails monument is designed to inspire academic success in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, especially in aviation. With the understanding that diversity drives innovation, increasing the success of underrepresented and marginalized students in these fields is crucial in growing a STEM workforce that resembles the nation’s demographics at large.

The Tuskegee Red Tails statue stands in honor of the perseverance and success of the Tuskegee Airmen, and serves to recognize the vital contributions of Black Americans in United States history. The monument was funded by Syd Levy of United Trophy and dedicated by the City of Orlando, Orlando Science Center, and Vision of Flight, Inc.

The Red Tails Monument, a 12-foot bronze spire leading up to four P-51 Mustang aircrafts in the “missing man” formation.

Explore more Black history monuments around Central Florida

This is by no means an exhaustive list of important historical locations in and around Central Florida. From the Ocoee Massacre marker to the Mary McLeod Bethune Home in Daytona, the Mount Moriah Church in Port Orange and the Zora Neal Hurston Museum in Eatonville, explore more than 40 sites significant to Black history in Central Florida with this interactive map.

Hannibal Square

Officially founded in 1881, Hannibal Square originally consisted of African Americans who worked for the South Florida Railroad and Winter Park’s wealthy families. On Oct. 12, 1887, it became the site of one of the country’s earliest Civil Rights marches, when Gus Henderson led a group of Black residents across the town’s dividing railroad tracks to vote in the election that officially incorporated Winter Park, including Hannibal Square. What’s more, two Black residents were elected aldermen, serving from 1887 to 1893.

Hannibal Square in Winter Park

Tinker Field History Plaza 

The original field and buildings at Tinker Field were dedicated in 1923. Named for Joe Tinker, many Baseball Hall of Famers played here, including Jackie Robinson, Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Harmon Killebrew.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his only speech in Central Florida, “Integration Now,” on the Tinker Field pitcher's mound less than a month before his death in 1964. 

a photo of Tinker Field baseball field and stadium

Wells’built Hotel

In 1926, Dr. Wells constructed a hotel that provided lodging to African Americans during segregation when hotel rooms were not available to them in other areas. Famous guests include Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Justice Thurgood Marshall. The Wells’Built Museum of African American History is now located here, featuring memorabilia, artifacts, and a guest room with authentic furnishings of the 1930s. 

 

black history monument in central florida - Wells’Built Museum of African American History